The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) held a training course for investigators at the Violations Rectification and Discrimination Remedy Departments.
The Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) provided the training as part of the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institution’s Professional Development Program. The course was especially developed by HREOC for staff of national human rights institutions that investigate complaints of human violations and was previously held in other countries such as Hong Kong, South Africa, Fiji, Indonesia, Sri Lanka.
The training for the NHRCK, ‘Investigation in a Human Rights Context’, was held as a 3-day training program on two separate occasions at the Seoul Youth Hostel. The first course was held on October 31 – November 2 2007 and the second course was held on November 5 – November 7 2007. The training was aimed at providing and consolidating foundation knowledge and skills in relation to the investigation of alleged violations of human rights, including alleged discrimination.
The relevant topics included the theoretical framework for investigation in a human rights context and steps to follow in conducting an investigation from planning the investigation to interviewing, collecting information and evidence, analysis of the information and evidence to documenting investigations. The participants were actively involved in small group discussions, role plays, and analysis of case studies with relevance to the Korean context.
The training was followed by a closing session on November 8. At the closing session, feedback was given on the results of the evaluation questionnaire completed by the participants before the training was over and the participants had a chance to review what was valuable about the training.
The individual participants and the NHRCK are committed to conducting investigations in a fair, efficient and effective manner. Furthermore, the NHRCK is dedicated to developing and applying fair investigative practices that will benefit the parties involved and consolidate the weight of the final decision. In this context, the training provided a great opportunity to reflect on current practices and look for areas to improve on.
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea was established in 2001, offering investigation and remedy services for Korean citizens and foreigners residing in Korea against human rights violations and discrimination. The Commission provides policy recommendations and remedial action against human rights infringements, collaborates with international human rights organizations and implements educational programs to improve the human rights culture.
